Copper Queens first choice goalkeeper, Nali’s World Cup journey comes to an end. Here’s why

Copper Queens first choice goalkeeper, Hazel Nali’s FIFA World Cup journey has come to an end due to injury.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Communications Manager Sydney Mungala confirmed this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.

FAZ General Secretary, Reuben Kamanga, said Nali who sustained a left knee injury in the period preceding the July 7 international friendly match with Germany in Furth underwent a medical check-up in Germany and New Zealand which has ruled her out of the tournament.

Kamanga said a preliminary examination was done in Germany which led to the player missing the friendly match with an MRI done in New Zealand ruling out the player for the rest of the tournament.

“FAZ medics in liaison with the FIFA Medical Committee have informed the Association that Nali suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament,” he said.

Kamanga said the player will head back home where she is expected to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.

Zambia plays Japan on July 22 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton with the second match coming up four days later in Auckland against Spain at Eden Park Stadium. The final group match is against Costa Rica on July 31 at Waikato Stadium.

The 2022 WAFCON bronze medalists have since settled in Hamilton which is their tournament base.

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